Back to square one

22nd December 2024

Back to square one

We use this expression to complain about having to start a task again, especially after something has gone wrong.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
The computer just crashed after I've spent three hours on my essay.
Did you save a back-up copy?
No I'm afraid not.
Example 2
Driving a car and driving a bus aren't completely different.
That's good. So if I want to learn to drive a bus, I don't have to go back to square one.